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# Metr. Athenagoras Enthroned as Metropolitan of New Jersey
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/metr-athenagoras-enthroned-as-metropolitan-of-new-jersey/
- Published: 2026-11-09T14:02:20.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-09T14:02:20.000Z
- Description: Metr. Athenagoras begins his leadership of New Jersey's 55 parishes with a pledge of service, unity, and Christ-centered love.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis), Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, Clergy installation, GOARCH

**TENFLY, NJ —** Hundreds of clergy, hierarchs, dignitaries, and faithful gathered at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian on November 7 for the enthronement of Metr. Athenagoras as Metropolitan of New Jersey, [beginning his ministry](https://orthodoxobserver.org/new-jersey-metropolitan-vows-to-meet-faithful-exactly-where-you-are/) overseeing 55 parishes across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

Abp. Elpidophoros of America and Metr. Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, serving as the representative of Patr. Bartholomew, escorted the new Metropolitan into the cathedral, where the faithful proclaimed “Axios!” as he ascended the episcopal throne. His mother, Fotini, and brother, Yiannis, attended the ceremony, along with representatives of Greece and Cyprus, government officials, and ecumenical leaders.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/10/Ziliaskopoulos--Athenagoras_head--shot_2021-2.jpg)On this topicBp. Athenagoras of Nazianzus Reportedly Elected New Jersey Metropolitan](https://uoj.news/news/bp-athenagoras-of-nazianzus-reportedly-elected-new-jersey-metropolitan/)

In his exhortation, Abp. Elpidophoros emphasized the responsibility of episcopal ministry, urging Metr. Athenagoras to serve his flock through love, compassion, and sacrifice. “Freely you have received, freely give,” he told him, encouraging the new hierarch to share his gifts with the faithful.

Abp. Elpidophoros also offered a heartfelt reminder that the new Metropolitan’s ministry must be grounded in selfless love, drawing upon the example of Patr. Athenagoras and his understanding of Christian leadership. “Only by love can we glorify the God of love, only by giving and sharing and sacrificing oneself can one glorify the God who, to save us, sacrificed himself and went to death, the death of the cross,” he said. Encouraging Metr. Athenagoras to draw strength from the faithful entrusted to his care, the Archbishop added: “They will support you and encourage you, so lean on them and allow their love to sustain and nurture you.”

Metr. Athenagoras recalled his lifelong friendship with the Archbishop and pledged to build upon the foundations established by his predecessors. He promised a ministry centered on listening, personal encounters, and welcoming every member of the Church.

![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/11/ZDP_9597.jpg)

![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/11/DSC_6637.jpg)

Photos: orthodoxobserver.org

He also announced the establishment of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Scholarship, honoring the Patriarch's 35th anniversary of election. The fund currently stands at $500,000 and will support young people pursuing priestly vocations and higher education.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/three-candidates-named-for-vacant-greek-orthodox-metropolis-of-new-jersey/) that three candidates were named for the vacant Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey.

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